Mr. W. Ah! you were almost a baby when I laid it down, Ferdinand, and it's never been disturbed. I can assure you, my dear boy, I've passed whole days in picturing to myself its condition, and wondering who would be lucky enough to drink it. This is really a wonderful discovery of yours. You see, your aunt—
Fer. Oh, I know. Have another cigar?
Mr. W. Thank you, Ferdinand, I don't mind if I do. It's a sin to smoke with such good wine as this; but, you see, I must make hay while the sun shines. The fact is, your aunt—
Fer. Don't speak of it, uncle—don't speak of it. I quite understand it; but, after all, you're not the only man with a skeleton in the cupboard.
Mr. W. A skeleton! Aha! If she only was, Ferdinand—if she only was. (Drinks another glass of wine.)
Fer. My dear uncle, if you talk in that wild and heartless way I shall begin to think that you take quite another view of the objects of my experiment. (Drinks.)
Mr. W. Not at all, not at all; but I must confess that it's pleasant to have things quiet like this. (Drinks.)
Fer. It's quite evident you appreciate it. Well, I must say your tone rather relieves me. I am delighted with the success of the first part of my experiment. She went off beautifully. Now if the second part should go wrong, and I don't succeed in pulling her together again, I can see you won't so much mind.
Mr. W. My dear Ferdinand, don't speak in that horrible way. Surely, you have no doubts?
Fer. Well, of course, I'm like all experimentalists; I may fail. You'll please to bear in mind that I was very particular in getting your consent before I made the venture.